[virgil]

I’ve noticed lately how on the news I’ve heard them refer to places like Joliet and Dekalb like they’re part of the Chicago Metro area. These places are pretty far out and away.

[KeyLargo]

Cook County, City of Chicago join forces to find ways to share services, cut costs

http://blog.cookcountygov.com/2011/03/29/cook-county-city-of-chicago-join-forces-to-find-ways-to-share-services-cut-costs/

President Preckwinkle and Mayor Emanuel Announce City-County Merger in Workforce Development

http://blog.cookcountygov.com/2011/10/20/president-preckwinkle-and-mayor-emanuel-announce-city-county-merger-in-workforce-development/

A public health merger in Chicago?
Experts say city, Cook County could save money, improve services by combining health departments
May 12, 2011|By Judith Graham, Tribune reporter

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-05-12/health/ct-met-health-merger-20110512_1_hospitals-system-public-health-health-department